Among collectors Domaine Jean-Marie Fourrier is one of the most respected estates in Gevrey-Chambertin and all of Burgundy, a name that gets mentioned along side with Armand Rousseau. The wines are strictily allocated and demand a high premium on the secondary market. What makes them so special is their fragrance, precision, and incredible balance. Wines as silky and elegant as they get. Quite frankly, below four digits, if I had one wine to show to somebody why people go gaga for Burgundy, then it would be a Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin with appropriate bottle age. I have seen that a few times in action and people are always flashed.
The domaine has been family-owned for five generations and is currently run by Jean-Marie Fourrier, who took over from his father in 1994 at the young age of 23 and revitalized the estate in a big way (pre-2000 vintages are thus of less interest for this estate). Jean-Marie honed his winemaking skills under the tutelage of legendary Burgundy winemaker Henri Jayer and during his time working for Drouhin in Oregon, bringing a blend of traditional and innovative techniques back to the Domaine. With approximately 10ha of vineyards, Domaine Fourrier has an enviable portfolio of holdings, including several old-vine plots planted between 1910 and 1936. Key appellations include Griotte-Chambertin (the top dog), Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques (another a jewel of the Domaine, and accordingly expensive), and my third on the podium with the best QPR, the Gevrey-Chambertin Combe aux Moines. Jean-Marie practices a minimal-intervention approach, including careful vineyard management with organic principles, low yields, and meticulous sorting of grapes. In the cellar, Fourrier uses natural fermentation, avoids excessive extraction, and limits the use of new oak (typically no more than 20%) to emphasize fruit purity and terroir expression. Louis Fourrier, Jean-Marie’s son, who is now actively involved in the family domaine walked us through the tasting. First time I met him and great to see the next generation ready to continue the work.
Wines tasted during the visit
This visit also confirmed that 2023 is a big success in Burgundy. The wines are similar to 2020 and 2022 with generosity but no excesses like in 2018. Luckily it is a large crop as well, so it should not be too difficult to find them once they arrive in the market in 1Q/2025.
Village
2023 Jean-Marie Fourrier Bourgogne, 88 Points
Barrel sample. A négociant wine with dark cherry aromas, ripe and structured. Masculine with firm tannins and a dry finish. 87–89.
2022 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin VV, 92 Points
Barrel sample. A significant step up, showing a fragrant, airy nose with silky raspberry notes. Elegantly balanced. 91–93.
Premier Crus
2023 Domaine Fourrier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Gruenchers VV, 93 Points
Barrel sample. Highly fragrant and fruity, with raspberry notes in a Rayas style. More structured than the village wine. A top Chambolle. 92–94.
2022 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes VV, 94 Points
Barrel sample. Increased density and intensity, tightly woven with a dusty texture. Red cherry aromas dominate. Feminine, with chalky minerality reminiscent of Griotte. 93–95.
2023 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Goulots VV, 94 Points
Barrel sample. From the highest elevation plot, showcasing cooler, precise, and fresh characteristics. Spiced notes with a silky and chalky finish. Louis’s favorite. 93–95.
2023 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Combe aux Moines VV, 95 Points
Barrel sample. From a warm amphitheater setting with very chalky soils, once a quarry. Softer and more complete than the Goulots. The landscape is remarkable in this plot as shown by a few photos and so is the wine. It is the best pick of the portfolio before it moves into a different price category. 94–96.
2023 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St. Jacques VV, 96 Points
Barrel sample. Similar to Combe aux Moines but even more precise and chalky. Features four distinct subsoils, because Fourrier has rows from bottom to top which only a few other have, incl. Armand Rousseau. It is the Domaine’s oldest plot (planted in 1910). Made 20 barrels in 2023.
Grand Crus
2023 Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin VV, 97 Points
Barrel sample. Produced from 6 barrels in 2023, this wine comes from a small appellation with a unique micro climate. Warm, with chalky soils. Cherry trees once populated the area, and their character lingers in this outstanding wine. Expensive, but for a long time one of my favorite red Burgundy wines. 96–98.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
November 2024